Birmingham Lions

Valentines day lived up to all expectations this year, with the Lions getting all they wanted in the form of a regular season rematch against a well-drilled Hertfordshire Hurricanes team. Revenge was on Birmingham’s agenda on the back of their playoff defeat back in 2008. The Lions offence took to the field first but failed to put a big drive together against a strong Herts defence. On their second chance the Lions put a drive together largely thanks to a big play from receiver and part-time running back Andy Watson who broke multiple tackles for a 60 yard gain. The Herts defence then re-established themselves with a big stand to hold the Lions to a field goal – completed by Andy Watson. From then on in the Lions took centre stage with Varney starting to move the ball through the air with two touchdowns coming for John Zinkus and one for Ben Brown as a result. On the ground Shane McNeill and Chika Kalu at fullback, with Andy Watson and Sope Dirisu helping out in two back sets moved the ball phenomenally throughout the whole game. The Lions O-line had another great game, which saw touchdowns running the ball for Andy Watson and Chika Kalu (x2).

The Herts offence had some luck moving the ball through the air and on the floor. On the day they scored 2 touchdowns but missed one PAT and had the other blocked. Truth be told most of Herts fortune came from big plays and persistent grit and determination from a well-coached outfit. The Birmingham defence were being their usual stingy selves on the whole with sacks, tackles in the backfield and big plays a plenty. Would have been a perfect day at the office if not for a couple of big plays giving the Hurricanes offence momentum that they took full advantage of. The final score on the day was 44-12 and bragging rights were awarded to the Lions until next time.